The presented invention details the development of an electrochemical biosensor for detecting aromatic pollutants in water samples. This research outlines the method of immobilizing proteins on graphene oxide and the subsequent fabrication of an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT). The OECT can detect aromatic pollutants like phenol in aqueous samples at nanomolar concentrations. Additionally, the invention demonstrates the preparation and fabrication of this ultrasensitive biosensor, specifically targeting phenol using the MopR protein.
Figure (1) OECT device
Water pollution and monitoring are critical concerns due to their direct impact on human health. Aromatic water pollutants are particularly worrisome because they are carcinogenic and cytotoxic. These pollutants are difficult to detect using simple, straightforward sensing methods because they lack easily detectable functional groups. Although significant advancements have been made in biosensing aromatic pollutants using spectrophotometric techniques, there are very few ultrasensitive sensors available in electrochemical formats.
- Capable of detecting phenol in water samples down to -20 nM as an aromatic pollutant biosensor.
- Potential to detect phenol in complex mixture samples.
- Utilizes an organic electrochemical transistor design with a channel made of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrenesulfonate).
- Made from a soft organic semiconductor material.
- Easily fabricated at minimal cost.
- Can be used directly for pollutant detection without modification.
- Features a biosensing unit with MopR protein immobilized on a graphene oxide layer coated on the gate electrode.
The invention details the fabrication process of an OECT device designed to detect aromatic pollutants, specifically phenol, in water samples. It utilizes MopR protein, a sensitive and selective biosensor for phenol, immobilized on a gate electrode's graphene oxide (GO) substrate. The device employs PEDOT:PSS as the channel material linking the source and drain electrodes. The fabrication process demonstrates the integration of PEDOT:PSS semiconducting material for both the gate electrode and the functionalization of GO with MopR protein, ensuring effective phenol detection in aqueous environments.
The OECT functions by generating a signal exclusively in the presence of ATP. It exhibits notably heightened sensitivity and selectivity towards phenol compared to other control aromatics such as catechol, 2,3-dimethylphenol, benzene, and hydroquinone.
The invention is at the stage of Demonstration and/or validation in lab environment.
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By enabling detection at nanomolar levels, the invention enhances environmental monitoring, ensuring safer water quality management and protecting public health from carcinogenic and cytotoxic pollutants.
In the past two decades, biosensing technology has made significant strides across various scientific disciplines. The current biosensor market is valued at $25.5 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%, reaching $36.7 billion by 2026. With global concerns over water pollution, monitoring water quality has become crucial for environmental protection.
Geography of IP
Type of IP
202321015908
474656